“Yes.” I cross my arms over my chest.
“Not feeling a little jealous?” He holds up his long finger and thumb to show size.
I swallow, reminding myself of our agreement. “No,” I lie. “You’re not mine to claim.”
He scans the room before stepping dangerously close to me, invading my air. “I wouldn’t be asking except my cock was buried deep inside you last night.”
There.
That does it. I’m molten and my legs are turning to liquid. I want his breath that dances across my skin to cascade down my body.
“Oliver,” I warn him. “It has nothing to do with that.” Because I’ve always been jealous, even before last night.
“I’m calling bullshit on that, but you’re right.” He sighs. “It shouldn’t matter. We’re in a room full of people, and I need to detox from you.”
I’ve invaded his thoughts and body that much? I like that.
His eyes meet mine, and it’s a tether that we just can’t seem to cut. “I’ll go schmooze the crowd so we both can cool off.”
He nods curtly. “Probably a good idea.”
Walking away from him, I feel his eyes on me, and it’s a weight. That just means it’s harder to run.
The rehearsal dinner was uneventful.A few sappy speeches from parents, a buffet, and I worked the room to speak to distant relatives, colleagues of my brother, Ava’s family, and probably a cousin of a cousin. It was easy to slip away and go to bed with only a few glances from Oliver during dinner. I escaped unscathed.
But now? As we all stand on the gorgeous rooftop overlooking mountains as my brother recites his vows and the audience of eighty look on, I do the stupidest thing that a single bridesmaid could do.
I catch eyes with the single best man.
The softest stretch of his lips causes the corner of my mouth to tick. He’s handsome in a tux, and his eyes review my deep gray gown and burn right through me. I don’t think that’s his intention, but we can’t seem to rip our eyes away until we arebroken from our daze by Ava’s ordained friend moving on with the ceremony.
My focus returns to my brother who looks utterly happy and Ava who is in a strapless gown. They’re officially in the newlywed phase and will enjoy the excitement of their new relationship dynamic. I also know that my brother will be a good husband. He has a strong character and will do anything for her.
A tear pools in the corner of my eye at this special moment for my brother and how fortunate he is to have found his soulmate.
It’s a beautiful wedding with bubbles blown as they walk down the aisle, and when it’s photo time, I notice the groomsmen already passing out cigars.
“Okay, I need the happy couple in the middle.” The photographer indicates with his hands. “Now that we’ve had a few photos with the wedding parties on each side, let’s mix it up so we have groomsmen then bridesmaids and so forth.” Everyone shuffles around as he continues to direct us. “You, closer to the best man,” he says so easily.
I glance over my shoulder and Oliver doesn’t seem to be complaining; in fact, his hand touches my waist, and he pulls me closer because that’s what we are instructed to do. My entire core feels as though it just did a summersault.
“You look beautiful,” he whispers so only I can hear.
I’ve heard that many times today but only from his mouth does it feel special and sincere.
“Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself,” I utter back.
I’m lucky we are only looking forward as there’s probably a sinful smirk crawling on his lips.
His hand slides back to touch my hipbone gingerly and keep me in place. I’m beginning to wonder if he is using this innocent opportunity to touch me, maybe even remind me.
After various smiles for the photographer, Oliver has no choice but to drop his hand, leaving a vacant spot.
I refuse to turn around and look at him, and I’m saved by one of Ava’s happily married cousins in the bridal party asking Oliver a question.
I’m also spared when Oliver is seated a good distance from me at the table for dinner. I keep myself occupied with conversations with other people until the wedding planner gives me the indication to deliver my speech. I down a sip from my glass of champagne for my big moment and take the microphone in my other hand.
Someone clinks a glass, and the room grows quiet as I stand. I’m not shy in front of people, but this is the one time that I can’t mess this up.
